Paihia is a beautiful place, and approaching the hostel we were pleasantly surprised to find a little hostel with lovely gardens and a hot tub. When we went inside, the owner behind the desk was very friendly and he helped us check in. Once inside the room I discovered that the floor was filthy (hidden by the fact that it... More

This backpackers is certainly not what it used to be when I stayed here when it was under different ownership several years ago. The kitchen is woefully under equipped with barely any knives or glasses and, save for in the morning straight after the kitchen is cleaned, there is a permanent stack of dirty dishes and saucepans, most of which... More

In short: Centabay is clean and friendly. It's really good for the money (we had a double room with ensuite and kitchenette for $80 a night). Probably not ideal for older people or families. Also, don't expect kayaks as stated on website - they aren't functional. Would be happy to stay again, nonetheless. Longer form: You can't expect a 5... More

Located close to everything. Big kitchen, small pool spa, kajaks, a bike, free movies. You can do your laundry and you have access to internet. The staff is so nice, you feel really at home the minute you walk in. The world needs more people like Ruth&Robert! -Anni

Centabay is a perfect place for a relatively cheap sleep in a good location and with a good ambiance. We stayed in a double room with a bathroom and found both the room and its facilities clean and cosy. The staff were very nice and welcoming - they were very helpful,flexible and had a good sense of humour. We enjoyed... More

I can only suggest you - don't go there. We (a friend of mine and me) we spent 3 nights there. I paid in the beginning, that's why it became 3 nights. To begin: The owner is incredibly unfriendly (making fun about germans in general, and not the sort of funny ones..), not wanting to help us with the kayaks... More

Friendly owner gave us the key to a largish, clean double room on the second floor of the hostel. Only one window made the room quite hot but there were towels, a TV, coffee, tea, milk and kettle. The shower suffered from lack of hot water and pressure in the morning. Just round the corner from the shops, bars and... More

i stayed here two nights, on the first night the owner/manager advised us to not go to the local bar because it was full of 'half dead people' and how we should stay safe. but we had a fun night there and on the second night we were hanging out with a guy we met at local place the previous... More

Centabay Lodge is well located near the shops and restaurants of Piahia. Just 5 minutes walk from places like the Swiss Café, but just far enough out to avoid the noise from the night life. The hostel itself looks nice from the outside but was otherwise something of a let down. In my 6 months of travelling around New Zealand... More